solemn opening ceremony of the 37th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships has today been held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the National Olympic Committee Ilham Aliyev, first lady, President of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation Mehriban Aliyeva and family members attended the opening ceremony.

President of the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation Irina Viner-Usmanova also watched the opening ceremony.

Azerbaijan`s Minister of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov, President of the Federation of International Gymnastics Morinari Watanabe addressed the event.